F4 Tornado — Crawford, Kansas

2003-05-04 · near Mc Cune, Crawford, Kansas

Wider weather episode

This storm is known to have initiated the unforgettable series of events of 4 May, 2003. This classic supercell rapidly developed over Montgomery County, Kansas, eventually moving into southwestern Crawford County, Kansas where it spawned a very large and destructive tornado. This tornado laid out a path of destruction for 27 miles of farm land and small communities through Crawford County. This event also claimed three lives and injured 20 in eastern sections of the county, where the tornado had strengthened to F-4 status. The tornado continued on the ground into Barton County, Missouri.Sharon Lasbrook age 48, was deceased from being thrown out of her mobile home and into a field. Her home was completely disintegrated by the twister.George Bolte age 68, was taking cover in his manufactured home and laying over his wife to protect her from flying debris. While saving her life, he was deceased from the debris.Josephine Maghe age 87, was taking cover within her frame home as the tornado arrived. She was deceased from being struck into the ground.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (37.4167, -95.1000)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5358086. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.